UPDATE : Shona Heath, Set Designer, Oscar Winner, and Art Director, Directs AI-Powered Short Film "The Glass Hermit" for Northern Data AG

Shona Heath, the British Set Designer and Art Director who blends fashion, art, and film, presents her AI-powered short film "The Glass Hermit." Created for Northern Data AG, a leading provider of AI and high-performance computing solutions, the film explores how AI can blur the lines between art and technology, elevating human creativity to new heights. The film had its world premiere at Times Square in New York, Piccadilly Circus in London, and Moxy in Downtown Los Angeles.

The film also features a moving performance by Ruby Gaskell, who embodies the enigmatic "Glass Hermit." Shona Heath's creative vision is inspired by the world around us: the cycle of nature, the journey of a shell across the sand to the water, and ultimately to glass, as well as the love we should feel for our planet. These inspirations align perfectly with the values of Northern Data, such as sustainability and the resource-efficient use of new technologies like AI.

"AI has opened a door to other dimensions. It makes sense to me to use it in conjunction with my original ideas, the hand made and human crafted. It is like another color," says Shona Heath.

Throughout the entire production process, Shona Heath and Northern Data collaborated with the Emmy-winning production and innovation studio HELO, as well as the motion design collective BLIND PIG, to create a film that showcases the full spectrum of artistic possibilities. The goal was to enrich the film's creative design with fresh, innovative impulses. The finished work combines experimental filmmaking with the latest developments in AI, demonstrating the irreplaceable power of human creativity. BLIND PIG also offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, Northern Data Group COO: "Northern Data emphasizes the collaboration between human creativity and AI capabilities, and importantly our shared accountability to care for our planet.  "The Glass Hermit" is a one-of-a-kind work of art that embodies these values. A production of this type would not have been possible a year ago, but now we are able to see first-hand how AI innovation, in the hands of visionaries like Shona, will ensure refined and tailored outcomes that drive industries forward."

Neil Evely, HELO Global Head of Innovation: We made sure that any AI used was complimentary to Shona's aesthetic and story. Alongside Blind Pig, we developed a new VFX+AI pipeline that evolved daily, enabling us to combine traditional post-production tools with cutting edge AI technology. There isn't an instruction manual for what we wanted to do – every day was an experiment for us just as much as it was for Shona and Northern Data."

Shona Heath is one of the most innovative set designers of her generation. The London-based artist has made a name for herself with her creative and often surreal set designs, particularly through her long-standing collaboration with photographer Tim Walker. In 2019, she curated an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, showcasing 300 works by Tim Walker and highlighting the close artistic partnership between the two. The exhibition not only brought Tim Walker's world closer to the public but also underscored Heath's role as a central figure in his creative process.

Her work is characterized by a unique blend of fantasy, attention to detail, and an almost dreamlike atmosphere. From an early age, Shona was captivated by the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, and his influence can still be felt in her designs today. Her work is known for its playful, almost hallucinogenic aesthetic, which fuses classical and modern elements.

A key highlight of her career is her role in designing the set for the 2023 film Poor Things, for which she won an Oscar. This award marked the pinnacle of a career that has firmly established her in both fashion photography and the film industry. Her creative signature has also shaped advertising productions for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Miu Miu, Christian Dior, Lanvin, and Prada. Her sets are a fusion of art, fashion, and theatre, offering viewers new worlds to discover with every glance.

Heath has also designed creative sets for editorials in leading fashion magazines, including British, American, and Italian Vogue, W Magazine, AnOther, Dazed & Confused, and Harper's Bazaar. In these projects, she has collaborated with photographers such as Tim Walker, Paolo Roversi, and Tim Gutt, whose work was elevated to new dimensions through Heath's imaginative sets.

For more exciting works by Shona Heath c/o MMXX Artists, visit shonaheath.com.
 
CREDITS
Director     Shona Heat
DOP     Guy Stephens
Client     Northern Data Group
Production     HELO
Advertising Agency     Team Lewis
Post Production     Blind Pig
Styling     Ryan Wohlgemut
Make-up     Sam Bryant
Photographer     Tim Gutt
Movement Director     Lina Johansson
AI Animation     Bling Pig

About UPDATE SALON
UPDATE - Salon für Fotografie & Film - is the longest running industry event of its kind. As part of the GoSee family we reach out to around 155,000 readers; certainly the most exquisite audience in the industry.

Our regular guests include big names such as Jung von Matt, Serviceplan, CLM BBDO, thjnk, LeagasDelaney, Mother, Neverest, KNSK, Grey, Ogilvy&Mather, DraftFCB, TribalDDB, Saatchi & Saatchi, Adam & Eve, Heimat, BBDO .... and as an attentive GoSee follower you know that we know.

UPdate is more than powered by GoSee. See you in Berlin.


UPDATE-24-BERLIN  - Registration open now ! 18-19 APRIL 2024, Berlin-Mitte - UPDATE.Salon


Featuring : our unique GoSeeAWARDS

GoSee : update.salon

Shona Heath writes, directs and creates the set and costume design for 'The Glass Hermit', commissioned by Northern Data Group

 

Shona Heath writes, directs and creates the set and costume design for 'The Glass Hermit', commissioned by Northern Data Group

Shona Heath writes, directs and creates the set and costume design for 'The Glass Hermit', commissioned by Northern Data Group

 

Shona Heath writes, directs and creates the set and costume design for 'The Glass Hermit', commissioned by Northern Data Group

0

0 Comments